USDA OCP Contractor Vaccine Status 8.13.docx

Dear XXX, Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) July 27, 2021 guidance for individuals who are fully vaccinated and those who are not fully vaccinated, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing specific safety protocols for fully vaccinated individuals and not fully vaccinated individuals. To determine the safety protocols that each employee and contractor is required to comply with, please complete the Certification of Vaccination form, which is linked below.

On-site contractors who do not attest that they are fully vaccinated or complete the form must wear a mask, physically distance, comply with a weekly or twice-weekly screening testing requirement, and are to follow Government-wide restrictions when working on their USDA contract. These protocols are in line with the revised model safety principles from the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) July 26, 2021 guidance.

Effective immediately, on-site contractors should complete this Certification of Vaccination form and present it upon entry to any Federal Building or Federal worksite. A paper copy of the form can also be completed upon arrival. On-site contractors are expected to keep the completed Certification of Vaccination form on their person while they are inside any Federal building or worksite. Agencies are not collecting or maintaining contractors’ Certification of Vaccination forms at this time.

Health and wellbeing are the number one priority at USDA, and we appreciate your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely, XXX